Frenectomy
Gentle, Laser-Assisted Frenectomies at Westside
A lip or tongue tie can impact everything from a newborn’s ability to nurse to an adult’s quality of sleep. At Westside, we believe that treating restricted frenums (the small bands of tissue connecting the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the mouth) should be a quick, comfortable, and stress-free experience.
That is why we utilize the advanced Solea Laser for all our frenectomy procedures. This state-of-the-art technology allows us to gently release tight tissue with unprecedented precision, promoting optimal oral function for patients of every age.
Dental care at Westside is provided by Dr. Zubaida Hussain, dentist and Dental Director, in West Springs, Calgary SW. We follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. New patients welcome – no referral needed.
Why Choose the Solea Laser?
Traditional frenectomies often involve scalpels, sutures, and longer recovery times. The Solea laser transforms this experience by using focused light energy to vaporize the tissue. Benefits include:
- Virtually Painless: The laser has a natural numbing effect, meaning many procedures can be completed with minimal to no anesthetic.
- No Scalpels or Sutures: The laser seals the tissue as it works, resulting in little to no bleeding and eliminating the need for stitches.
- Rapid Healing: Laser technology minimizes inflammation and reduces the risk of infection, allowing for a much faster, more comfortable recovery.
- Anxiety-Free: The quiet, gentle nature of the Solea laser makes it ideal for nervous patients, especially infants and young children.
Frenectomies for Infants – Supporting a Healthy Start
For newborns, a severe lip or tongue tie can make latching during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding difficult, leading to poor weight gain, colic, and significant discomfort for nursing mothers.
Using the Solea laser, we can release the restriction in just a few minutes. Because the procedure is so gentle, babies can typically resume feeding immediately after treatment, often with instantly improved latch and comfort for both baby and parent.
Frenectomies for Children – Speech, Growth, and Breathing
- Difficulties with speech articulation.
- Challenges chewing and swallowing solid foods.
- Gaps between the front teeth or other orthodontic issues.
- Mouth breathing, which can impact facial growth and healthy airway development.
Frenectomies for Adults – Airway Health and Comfort
It is never too late to treat a tongue or lip tie. Many adults suffer from chronic issues without realizing a restricted frenum is the root cause. Adult frenectomies are often a crucial step in supporting myofunctional therapy and comprehensive airway management.
Releasing a tie in adulthood can help resolve:
- Chronic jaw, neck, and shoulder tension.
- Gum recession caused by a tight lip tie pulling on the gumline.
- Airway restrictions, sleep apnea, or snoring caused by improper tongue posture.
- Difficulties wearing dentures comfortably.
Ready to Breathe, Speak, and Smile Easier?
Whether you are seeking relief for your newborn or addressing your own airway health, the team at Westside is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions – Recovery & Post-Procedure Care
What is the recovery time like after a Solea laser frenectomy?
Because the Solea laser vaporizes tissue rather than cutting it, recovery is remarkably fast. Most infants can nurse immediately after the procedure. Older children and adults generally experience mild soreness for 24 to 48 hours, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. The tissue usually heals fully within a couple of weeks.
Will my baby or child be in pain during the procedure?
The Solea laser is renowned for being virtually painless. It has a natural analgesic (numbing) effect as it works. For infants, the procedure is often over in under a minute, and any fussiness is usually just from having our fingers in their mouth rather than from pain. For older children and adults, we ensure the area is fully numb and comfortable before we begin.
Do I need myofunctional therapy before and after a frenectomy?
For older children and adults, releasing the tie is often just the first step. Because the tongue and facial muscles have been compensating for the restriction for years, they need to be retrained to function properly. We highly recommend incorporating myofunctional therapy into your treatment plan to help you achieve optimal tongue posture, proper swallowing, and healthy nasal breathing.
What can I eat after the procedure?
For infants, breastmilk or formula is perfectly fine immediately. For older kids and adults, we recommend sticking to a soft diet (like yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, or mashed potatoes) for the first few days. Avoid spicy, acidic, or very crunchy foods until the surgical site feels comfortable.
Children and sleep – from age 2
We assess children from age 2. Snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep, bedwetting and daytime behaviour changes can all point to sleep-disordered breathing, and the earlier it is found the simpler it is to help. After a physician assessment with Dr. Sabah Jarullah and a dental airway exam with Dr. Zubaida Hussain, options for children include laser frenectomy for tongue- or lip-tie, myofunctional therapy, growth-guiding orthodontic treatment and other adjunctive therapies – with a home sleep test where appropriate.
Content reviewed by Dr. Zubaida Hussain, dentist, and Dr. Sabah Jarullah, family physician, at Westside, West Springs, Calgary SW — last reviewed September 2026. Educational information only; it does not replace an assessment with your provider.
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